New Delhi, September 08: The Union Health Ministry on Sunday confirmed the country’s first suspected case of monkeypox, a viral illness that has been spreading rapidly across the globe. The patient, a young male who recently traveled from a country experiencing a significant number of mpox cases. Has placed under isolation, and their sample has sent for testing.
“The development of this case is consistent with the earlier risk assessment. Conduct by the NCDC and there is no cause of any undue concern,” the health ministry says. It further add “Samples from the patient tested to confirm the presence of Mpox. The case is being manage in line with established protocols. And contact tracing is ongoing to identify potential sources and assess the impact within the country”.
According to the reports, the patient identified with the suspect case of monkeypox has a recent travel history to a country where the virus is prevalent. This aligns with the earlier risk assessment conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in India.
Mpox: A Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in July 2022, recognizing the growing threat posed by the virus. The current outbreak has been particularly concerning due to the spread of clade Ib of the mpox infection. Which is primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
Is India Ready For Mpox Outbreak?
India has been closely monitoring the global monkeypox outbreak and has taken steps to strengthen its surveillance and response capabilities. Following the WHO’s declaration of the PHEIC, experts in India assessed the risk of the infection spreading domestically. While they acknowledge the possibility of import cases, they deem the risk of a large-scale outbreak with sustained transmission to be low.
Concerns About Clade Ib
The current outbreak primarily driven by the spread of clade Ib of the mpox infection. Unlike previous outbreaks. This clade has predominantly transmitted through sexual contact. This shift in transmission patterns has raised concerns about the potential for the virus to spread more rapidly and widely.
Measures To Contain Mpox Virus Spread
The Indian government has implemented various public health measures to prevent the spread of monkeypox. These include strengthening surveillance, contact tracing, and isolation procedures. Healthcare providers have also alerted to be vigilant for symptoms of the disease.
Importance of Vaccination
While no specific vaccine exists for monkeypox, the smallpox vaccine can provide some protection. The government has recommended that individuals at high risk of exposure. Such as healthcare workers and travelers to affected areas. Consider getting vaccinated against smallpox.
The global community is working together to address the monkeypox outbreak. The WHO is coordinating efforts to share information, develop vaccines and treatments, and implement effective public health measures.
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As the situation evolves, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed and follow the guidelines issued by health authorities. By working together, we can help prevent the spread of monkeypox and protect public health.